Chandigarh: Punjab Horticulture Minister, Mohinder Bhagat, asked the horticulture officials to put extra energy into boosting the state’s fruit and vegetable yields so that they can be exported to European nations. He said that Punjab has the potential to grow horticulture products on a large scale, meet the international standard, and compete in the European markets. He exchanged his views during a meeting with experts from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and officials from related departments.
The minister further added that bringing 10% of Punjab’s Panchayat land under horticulture is in the pipeline, and planning is to provide adequate water to these areas. Horticulture and Panchayati Raj Departments would keep an eye on the progress of the work. He went on to say that there is the possibility of utilizing MGNREGA for exploring horticultural on these lands. Bhagat emphasized the adoption of crop patterns based on European market demands because that could increase farmers’ incomes along with protecting the environment.
During the meeting, USDA horticulture expert Dr. Sukhwinder Singh shared insights about American sugarcane cultivation, which contains 25% sugar compared to Punjab’s 9%. He suggested the possibility of introducing high-sucrose sugarcane varieties to Punjab. Singh also identified potential for cultivating crops like avocados and cocoa in the region.
Several well-known personalities and experts from the horticulture sector, such as Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman of the Punjab State Farmers Commission; Mr. Amandeep Singh Mohi, Chairman of MARKFED; Bal Mukand Sharma, Chairman of the Food Commission; and others, were present during the meeting. This initiative will provide global opportunities for Punjab’s farmers to export their fruits and vegetables to European nations.
